Media Statement
ANC STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY: CHAMPIONING THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY AND REBUILDING THE ECONOMY
- 17 October 2024
The African National Congress (ANC) joins billions of people globally to observe “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” reaffirming our commitment to the eradication of poverty and building a more just, peaceful and inclusive society. This year’s theme, “Ending social and institutional maltreatment: acting together for just, peaceful, and inclusive societies,” is aligned with the ANC’s historic mission and its vision of a National Democratic Society that leaves no one behind.
The ANC has always been deeply rooted in the struggles of the working class and the poor, who are the primary motive forces of our revolution. As the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU), we remain at the helm of social transformation, championing the fight against poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
The ANC took a tactical retreat to remain in the helm driving the government to address the systemic inequalities that continue to hold back the most marginalized in our society.
We understand the enormous pressures facing the working class, the poor, and even the middle strata in our nation. In this challenging global and domestic environment, we are working tirelessly to rebuild our economy, focusing on ensuring that no South African is left behind. Our policies have a deliberate bias towards the working class and the poor because we recognize that the full emancipation of our people can only be achieved when the most vulnerable have access to decent livelihoods, dignity, and equal opportunities.
Key interventions guided by our 55th National Conference resolutions and our recent NEC Lekgotla have placed poverty eradication at the forefront of our agenda. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which supports 7 million unemployed people, and the school nutrition programme, which feeds over 9 million children daily, are cornerstones of our efforts to address poverty and food insecurity. Additionally, our focus on addressing period poverty through the provision of free sanitary products in schools and public institutions ensures that young women and girls have the dignity they deserve.
Furthermore, our continued work to stabilize the economy, reduce fuel prices, restore commuter rail lines, and implement the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act are concrete steps towards improving the quality of life for all South Africans. These efforts are central to our economic reconstruction and recovery plan, ensuring that the poor and working class benefit from sustainable development.
As we commemorate this day, the ANC calls on all sectors of society—government, civil society, business, and labour—to work together to build a South Africa where every person has the opportunity to prosper, free from the chains of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that South Africa becomes a truly inclusive and equitable society.
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri
National Spokesperson
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